A common theme in Maori artwork, jewellery and weapons is the niho mako or tooth of the shark. It was used to create knife-like implements, lined the edge of wooden weapons, and frequently worn as a simple pendant for good luck or simply because it looked good. For this reason, it's also become a very common form in jade carving in New Zealand; and this one has been shaped from a beautiful pale blue jade found in the Fiordland region. It's suspended by a hidden hole, allowing the beautiful tone and translucency of the stone to be shown uninterrupted by a cord crossing over the front of the piece.
 
Measuring in at 53mm long and 31mm wide, this is a piece large enough to be noticed but small enough to be comfortably worn by practically any wearer. Its soft blue-grey hues make it an excellent complementary piece to nearly any outfit, and it's a piece well-suited to formal wear.